Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Review: Stellar Skateboarding Game Remake

by

After the successful remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 by Vicarious Visions in 2020, there was a strong expectation that the third and fourth games would follow suit. However, the process took longer than expected, and developer Iron Galaxy stepped in to bring (mostly) the iconic stages from these skateboarding games to current-generation consoles. The new version of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is as finely tuned as its predecessor, offering a fantastic way to replay two classic games with a fresh twist.

The remake of the game 1 plus 2 performed significantly better than the original games because it incorporated the fully developed combo system, which became available when the series moved to PlayStation 2. This means that game 3 plus 4 plays as expected, but there’s no significant improvement in gameplay since it was already designed to be incredibly tight and enjoyable. New players can easily get up to speed with a detailed tutorial, while veterans will quickly regain their skill for executing high-scoring combos.

As a gamer diving into Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, I’ve noticed a significant shift in the career mode structure: it’s all about two-minute runs now. For THPS3, this setup fits perfectly, but it does strip away the unique gameplay experience that THPS4 offered, where you could explore the environment and complete quests at your leisure. However, despite some caveats I’ll discuss later, the levels are well-designed and don’t feel overly vast. Plus, many iconic quests from THPS4 have been reimagined as objectives within these runs, which helps maintain a sense of cohesion throughout the package. I understand why this change was made, as it streamlines the overall experience.

The drawback of this version is that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 seems less vibrant due to certain changes made. Some objectives (like the pink elephants in College) seem diminished, and the entire Zoo level has been revamped to be set at night and devoid of animals. Although I didn’t particularly enjoy the mini-games before (they were entertaining only briefly), a significant amount of the edgy humor has been stripped out, which might be for the best but weakens the continuity between Pro Skater 4 and Tony Hawk’s Underground. However, once you view this as a remake rather than an upgrade, the alterations become more acceptable, and there are fresh features added that add a delightful touch as well.

One advantage of this remake is that Iron Galaxy has created three brand new maps, and they’re fantastic! My preferred one among them is the competitive stage named Movie Studio, which boasts a backlot setting filled with film props for you to grind on. The map that stands out most for me is Waterpark, modeled after an abandoned waterpark brimming with rides reimagined for tricks and lots of hidden surprises. It’s quite expansive, and the two-minute time limit truly tested my limits, reminding me of a more exciting version of Fun Park from Tony Hawk’s Project 8. Lastly, there’s a unique level called Pinball, where you’re inside a pinball table while Tony Hawk controls it from above. There are some thrilling moments and launch pads; however, I found dodging the actual pinballs challenging, as it could abruptly end high-scoring combos like the 750,000-point one.

During my playtime with the new levels, I was thrilled and hopeful that Iron Galaxy will create a brand-new Tony Hawk game in the future, given their solid grasp of the fundamentals. However, I was disheartened upon learning that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 lacked two unlockable levels from the fourth installment – namely, Carnival and Chicago. Regrettably, both these stages are nowhere to be found. While they aren’t extraordinary stages, their absence adds to my sense that the fourth game didn’t receive the full treatment it deserved. Perhaps additional DLC stages could be added, along with fan-favorites like The Sewers and Little Big World from the PS1 version. I believe giving Iron Galaxy more time to develop original stages will pay off in the long run; nonetheless, it is somewhat frustrating not to see every level make a comeback.

In summary, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 can be completed within a few hours, but don’t let that fool you! The game offers an expansive post-game experience. After finishing the game, you’ll unlock various challenges like C-O-M-B-Os, higher score targets, and extra tasks. Completing these will grant you access to individual solo tours, where each skater has their own progression instead of a shared one. Moreover, there are hidden decks and rewards in the solo tours waiting to be discovered. Essentially, this game is packed with content and I anticipate revisiting it for the next year, similar to 1 + 2.

In the sequel for versions 3 and 4, multiplayer and the create-a-park mode return, along with some familiar modes like score challenges, combos, graffiti tagging, and more. The exciting novelties this time around include a public skate area for relaxation and a “HAWK” mode where you hide letters that players must locate. At first, I found the latter a bit simplistic, but once I grasped its mechanics, it turned out to be quite engaging. Instead of concealing the letters in unseen spots, it’s about placing them in hard-to-reach locations, encouraging wall riding and jumping to out-of-the-way, confusing areas. It’s a thrilling puzzle that challenges players to reconsider level design from a fresh perspective.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Review: Final Verdict

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve already poured in 20 hours into Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4, and honestly, I’m itching to put another 20 into them! Iron Galaxy has truly outdone themselves by reviving some iconic stages, introducing new ones, and keeping the essence of these games intact. The revamped Tony Hawk feels smoother than ever, leaving me eager for what lies ahead in this legendary franchise’s future.

SCORE: 9/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a score of 9 means “Excellent.” Such entertainment stands out as the best in its category, setting the benchmark that all creators aspire to achieve.

Note: We received a PlayStation 5 copy for our Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 review from the publisher. This review is based on version 1.000.002.

Read More

2025-07-07 20:10